Top 7 Western Gift Shows in Las Vegas: NFR Guide
The National Finals Rodeo is a highly anticipated event that draws an average of 170,000 rodeo fans to Las Vegas each December, making it one of the toughest tickets in town. With only about 17,500 seats available at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center for each evening’s performance, the waiting list for balcony seats can extend up to six to seven years. However, despite the ticket scarcity, there’s no need to despair, as there are numerous cowboy-related attractions scheduled over the 10-day event, including other rodeo events, exhibitions, watch parties, personal appearances, live entertainment, and more. Additionally, seven Western gift shows will be spread across the tourism corridor during the NFR, offering attendees an opportunity to shop for Western-style goods and enjoy the festive spirit.
Cowboy Christmas: The Granddaddy of Western Gift Shows
One of the most prominent gift shows during the NFR is Cowboy Christmas, which has been a staple since 1986. Last year, the show welcomed 370,000 visitors who shopped for a wide range of Western-style products, from boots and hats to furniture and artworks. With over 350 exhibitors spread across 500,000 square feet in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Cowboy Christmas promises a unique shopping experience for all attendees. Show manager Cheryl Kocvara highlighted the show’s growth over the years, with some exhibitors sharing stories of starting small and expanding their booths significantly.
Western Gift Show at South Point Arena & Equestrian Center
While Cowboy Christmas takes the spotlight, the Western Gift Show at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center is also a major draw during the NFR. Featuring 80,000 square feet in the exhibit hall and 50,000 square feet in the arena concourse, this show focuses on the Western lifestyle, offering custom-made spurs, ropes, tack supplies, and saddles. General manager Steve Stallworth emphasized the show’s appeal to “real cowboys,” showcasing unique handcrafted goods in smaller booths that reflect a mom-and-pop style.
Downtown Christmas Expo at the Plaza
For a unique shopping experience, attendees can explore the Downtown Christmas Expo at the Plaza, offering curated booths with handmade goods such as jewelry crafted from spent ammunition, drinking vessels made from animal horns, vintage clothing, boots, and cowboy-print dishes. With a focus on handmade goods and a selection of startups, this expo aims to provide a distinctive shopping experience for NFR attendees. Santa makes daily appearances from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., adding a festive touch to the event.
Remaining Western Gift Shows
Group W Productions produces four additional shows during the NFR, including Country Christmas at the Rio, Cowboy Marketplace at the Horseshoe, Rodeo World at Resorts World, and the merchandise component at the All In Barrel Race at The Orleans. With a variety of merchandise ranging from hats and boots to horse trailers, these shows offer attendees a chance to explore different aspects of the Western lifestyle and get up close and personal with horses. Chris Woodruff, the owner of Group W Productions, emphasized the growth and expansion of the NFR footprint in Las Vegas over the past 31 years, highlighting the event’s ability to attract more people and create a bigger and more festive atmosphere for all participants.
